Madeira Longhorn vs Tree Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madeira Longhorn Tree Weta
Scientific Name Leptura aurulenta Hemideina thoracica
Order Coleoptera Orthoptera
Family Cerambycidae Anostostomatidae
Size 15-26 mm 40-60 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Mediterranean Europe, Atlantic France, Macaronesia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Madeira Longhorn

A large flower longhorn with rusty-orange elytra and a black head and pronotum. Found in forests around the Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe. Larvae develop over 3-5 years in dead wood of oaks and chestnuts.

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Did You Know?

This species has been found on Madeira Island, giving rise to its common name, though it occurs widely across southern Europe.

Tree Weta

A common weta species found throughout the North Island of New Zealand. It shelters in tree holes during the day and forages for food at night.

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Did You Know?

Tree weta can survive being frozen solid; their blood contains special proteins that prevent ice crystals from damaging their cells.